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IPIC looks to inspire next generation of Emiratis with Dubai World Cup sponsorship

The International Petroleum Investment Council (IPIC), sponsor of the Kahayla Classic at this today’s Dubai World Cup, has encouraged more Emiratis to get into horse racing.

The purebread Arabian race is one of the stand out races during the Dubai World Cup held at Maydan and IPIC see it as the perfect opportunity to inspire local Emirati youth to be involved in sport.

Speaking on the day of the Dubai World Cup, His Excellency Khadem Al Qubaisi, Managing Director of IPIC explained that IPIC is thrilled to be apart of the world’s biggest day of horse racing.

He said: “Under the guidance of our Chairman Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, IPIC believes it has a moral obligation to inspire and equip Emirati youth to become more active and engaged in sport, of all types.”

The Kayayla Classic demonstrates the values regarded highly in IPIC’s philosophy. With a field dominated by the Arabian horse it’s the perfect stage for the country to showcase it’s equestrian talents.

“The Arabian horse is an intimate part of UAE heritage and culture,” Al Qubaisi explained. “It is highly regarded across the globe for its pedigree, its intelligence, its beauty, its poise, its character. The Al Kahayla Classic is an ideal opportunity for IPIC to promote this unique breed to a global audience.”

For IPIC however, it isn’t just about sponsoring an event on the world stage, the Abu Dhabi based investments firm wants to inspire participation at grassroots level across the UAE.

“Just as we see the role that we play in the investments that we make on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi, IPIC’s support is designed to act as a catalyst of change at a grassroots level,” Al Qubaisi said.

“Our participation with Meydan is designed to act as a means to encourage more Emiratis to participate in horse racing, whether that be the breeding and raising of competitive horses or providing the competitive arena for Emirati riders.”

Equestrian sport is weaved in to the fabric of Emirati culture so it is not surprising that the UAE is extremely successful when it comes to breeding world-class horses.

Mr Al Qubaisi added: “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, already manages one of the most successful stables, producing some of the most competitive horses, in the world. Emiratis are already globally competitive in endurance racing. In fact, led by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, we are world champions in this particularly difficult art.”

It’s that success that IPIC want to see continue, and see the next generation as the key.

“IPIC’s role is to provide grassroots support to empower more Emiratis to become engaged in the sport of horse racing at a grassroots level so that this success not only endures but grows,” Mr Al Qubaisi said.